MUl Zoom Chapter 4

Final Exam Information

• Date and Time: The exam will take place next Thursday at 12:30 PM.

• Duration: It is a timed exam, lasting 50 minutes within a 60-minute window (12:30 - 1:30 PM). Late starts will reduce the available time accordingly.

• Attendance Importance: Engagement in class is essential. Students missing class are at a disadvantage as they may not do well on the exam without participation.

• Review Session: A review session is scheduled for Tuesday, which is crucial for preparation.

Quizzes and Canvas Access

• Makeup Quizzes: Certain quizzes, including the syllabus quiz and musical terms quiz, will be reopened for completion after class.

• Due Dates: The quizzes will be open until the start of class next Thursday, coinciding with the exam time.

• Responsibility: Students are responsible for obtaining course materials and accessing quizzes through Canvas.

  • A video was previously shared on how to link accounts for accessing the text and quizzes.

Understanding Meter in Music

• Definition of Meter: Meter refers to a repeating rhythmic cycle categorized into duple (2 or 4 beats) and triple (3 beats) rhythmic pulses.

• Types of Meter: Four main types include:

  • Simple Meter: Composed of 2 or 3 beats per measure.

  • Compound Meter: Divided into measures that accommodate beats in groupings of three (e.g., 6/8 time).

  • Complex Meter: Uses odd number groupings (e.g., 5/4, 7/8).

  • Polymeters: Layers of different meters played simultaneously, resulting in cross rhythms.

Rhythmic Tools

• Backbeat: Involves shifting strong accents to the second and fourth beats, crucial in American Rock and Roll, with African origins.

• Syncopation: Emphasizes normally weak beats and operates between strong beats, enhancing movement and dance.

• Ostinato: A repeated melodic or rhythmic phrase that creates a stubborn rhythm throughout a piece.

• Riff: A repeated melodic rhythmic unit that differs from an ostinato as it does not play throughout the entire piece but reappears in segments.

Examples of Rhythmic Concepts

• Ravel's Bolero: Demonstrates the use of ostinato with a persistent rhythm that creates momentum.

• Popular Music: Riffs are common in various music genres, including Broadway, rock, hip hop, and classical.

• Examples of Meter:

  • Compound Meter: Often seen in compositions characterized by groupings of three beats, adding depth to the rhythm.

  • Additive Meter: Seen in musical examples like Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" which plays with unconventional groupings (e.g., 5/4).

  • Bulgarian Music: Features complex rhythms often tied to dance and works that utilize extensive subdivisions within measures.

Cultural Contexts in Rhythm

• African Influence: Many American rhythmic styles are influenced by African music, where rhythms are complex and layered.

• Cuban Bembe: Originating from Nigerian drumming traditions, this illustrates call and response patterns and cross rhythms in its performance.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Open Notes: The exam will allow open notes, but thorough studying is recommended as there will be little time for reference.

• Start Studying Early: It is advised to not leave studying until the last minute to ensure better retention of the material.

• Encouragement for Attendance: Students are encouraged to inform peers about the importance of class attendance to benefit from the course content.